Taken in 1944 in Bonegilla, Victoria by Captain E.C. Johnston, this photograph depicts soldiers of the 1st Australian Corps Signals training battalion releasing carrier pigeons from a portable loft for their daily exercise.The 1st Australian Corps Signals was a branch of the Australian Imperial Airforce that was active during World War Two. One of the tasked carried out by 1st Australian Corps Signals was to send messages through the use of carrier pigeons. Carrier pigeons were most commonly used by the Allied Forces to send messages from the front line trenches or advancing units. Edgar Charles Johnston (1896-1988) was an aviator and public servant. In WW1 he served with the Australian Imperial Force, and later joined the Royal Flying Corps. For his service in the Royal Flying Corps he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which assisted him in becoming the assistant director-general in 1939 of the Commonwealth Department of Aviation. During World War II he was heavily engaged in the department’s activities in support of the war effort.Black and white square reproduced photograph on rectangular archival paperObverse: Bonegilla Victoria 1944-05-03/ Carrier Pigeons being released for their daily exercise/ from a portable loft of the 1st Signals training Battalion/ Photograph made 3 May 1944, by E.C. Johnston/ copied from CD Image supplied from/ Australian War Memorial collection/ Copyright/ Use of this image for the/ Robert O'Hara Burke Memorial Museum, Beechworth/ enhanced to remove moir effect/ Reverse: 7993.2/military album, beechworth, burke museum, military, world war 2, ww2, australian army, bonegilla, pigeons, edgar charles johnston

1. Badge awarded to soldiers wounded in action during WW2. 2. Honour Cross or Hindenburg Cross created in 1934 to commemorate service of German people during WW1. Under Hitler was the only official service decoration to be worn.1. Original egg shaped WW2 wound badge. Edges have flower garland. In middle is a German Infantry helmet with a Swastika over two crossed swords. Dark grey metal and pin on back. 2. Replica of WW1 German Honour Cross. Brown metallic badge with two crossed swords over a cross (Hindenburg Cross). A ring on top to hang on a ribbon 1914-1918. In centre of Circle of flowers.1. Nil other than a Swastika on a hat. 2. "1914", "1918" on front. honour cross, wound badge, german, ww2/ww1

During WW2 R.H. Baron volunteered as an ambulance driver with the State Emergency Service. Part of the "Robert H. Baron", No. 3596, and Cooper Collections. See Catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's service.Blue coloured folded identity card. Cover is blue buckram. Inside details are printed in black type with handwritten additions in black ink. State of Victoria crest printed at top. Inside colour is cream. Printing on front cover in dark blue capital letters.Handwritten details on inside in black ink: 'R. Baron, 50 Pender St. Preston, Auxiliary Ambulance Driver No. 676, Lim, Melbourne, 19th September 1942.' Stamped in purple ink: a signature of issuing authority.robert h. baron, cooper collection, state emergency service, identity card

Possibly an Imperial Japanese Officer's insignia, WW2. Part of the "Robert H. Baron", No. 3596, and Cooper Collections. See Catalogue No. 1981P for details of Baron's service.Rectangular Imperial Japanese rank insignia. Edged on two sides with metal braiding. Strip down centre originally gold coloured. Five pointed star in middle of centre strip. Background is red coloured fabric. Silver coloured metal fastener attached to back.robert h. baron, cooper collection, insignia, imperial japanese army.

Items part of the collection of J.E. Wiles, refer Cat No. 5410P for his service details.Small Brown book. Leather bound with wooden front and back cover. Series of crosses engraved into the front and Jerusalem engraved into the back. Inside 841 pages of pictures, prayers, tablets and psalms split into 3 sections. 473 pages of the order of Morning Prayers and a second supplement.Written inside front cover: "To Mother with love from Jack 16/6/40". Engraved on back "Jerusalem". Inscribed on side " Common Prayer, Hymns AOM". bible, middle east, ww2

Relates to the formal discharge of Act. Captain "John Eric Wiles" VX16067 in Sept 1945. Part of the collection of J.E. Wiles. Refer Cat No. 5410P for his service details. Was part of 17th Infantry Battalion.Tattered letter of Discharge of Service for J.E. Wiles from Australian Army. Faded cream paper, previously torn in two and taped back together. Gives administration details of discharge.Official stamp at bottom. Signature of Commanding Officer. No. 174441 Stamped on top. Stamped 28 Sept 1945.letter of discharge, ww2, eric john wiles

Letters of condolence written to parents of "M.C. Townsend" KIA on sinking of HMAS SYDDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer to Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter of Sympathy from John Lemmon, Parliament House, Victoria. Stamp of Legislation Assembly, Victoria on top. 2. Handwritten letter from Electoral office, Bendigo to parents, on folded over white piece of paper.1. Signed “John Lemmon”, Headed - Parliament House, Melbourne C1, and dated 11/12/41. 2. Signed “Tilbert J. Boyle”, Headed Electoral Office Bendigo and dated 2/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Letters of Sympathy to parents of Dental Surgeon "M.C. Townsend", KIA on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2323P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter from Dental Officer's Mess, Puckapunyal, Victoria on blank white paper. 2. Typed letter from Chaplain, Flinders Naval Depot to Mr. Townsend. 1. Signed “Eric Wollff” and dated 2/12/41. 2. Signed “Norman Symes”, Chaplain, RAN and dated 6/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, mervyn clive townsend, ww2

Letters of Sympathy from RAAF Units for Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend" lost on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.1. Handwritten letter on white paper. Paper headed with RAAF stamp and name of Military Base. 2. Handwritten letter on cream white paper. Royal Australian Air Force stamp in top left corner and name of RAAF Unit in right corner. 3. Handwritten letter of cream white paper. Stamp at top of bird with outstretched wings with crown at top.1. Listed from RAAF Station, Nhill, Victoria and dated 3/12/41, signed by “Edward Campbell”. 2. Listed No. 1 School of Technical Training, Radio Mechanics Course, Dated 1st December and signed “Allan Davis”. 3. Listed No. 2 METO Course, School of Technical Training and dated 3/12/41.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Letters of Sympathy from a range of Victorian school for Dental Surgeon M.C. Townsend, KIA with sinking of HMAS Sydney on 15 /11/ 1941. Refer No. 2313P for Townsends service.Seventeen (17) letters of sympathy from various schools around Victoria, primarily to the parents of "Mervyn Clive TOWNSEND".Varioushmas sydney, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Item in the collection of Gilbert John Mitchell (Jack) Pre WW2 Jack had service for a brief time in the 38th BN Bendigo No 447203. He enlisted in the RAAF on 31.1.1942 No 410686 age 20 years. Embarked for England on 6.1.1943 for further Training. Posted to 166 Sqd RAF Wellington Bombers then posted Operational to No 466 Sqd RAAF flying Halifax Heavy Bombers. On 18.7.1944 he and his crew in MZ313 were on a mission to attack Railway Sidings at Vaires. This was new Aircraft on 11.6.1944. They were hit by Anti Aircraft shells exploding in the fuselage. The Bomb Aimer Flt/Lt Finley advised the crew to leave by parachute as it was possible the craft could disintegrate. The Pilot Officer R.J. Evans decided to try and get the aircraft back to England, once there they abandoned the craft which was seen to disintegrate in mid air. Both were awarded the DFC. Jack was taken POW and sent to Stalag Luft 1 near Barth on the Baltic Sea for Allied Airmen. The Crew were; Roger John Evans No 410202, enlisted 5.12.1941 age 31 years. Peter Hamiliton Finley No 412294, enlisted 22.6.1941 age 22 years. L.C. Abbott, British/Allied. G.J. Mitchell, POW. Keith Mossman Tranent POW, No 426402, enlisted 20.6.1942 age 19 years 2 months. J.P.T. Finn RAF (Paddy) T.W. Wild British/Allied. On 30.4.1945 The Germans vacated the Camp Jack was in and 2 days later the Russians released them and he was placed in a British Hospital weighing 6 stone. He arrived home in Sept 1945. He stayed in the RAAF No 033130 and served in No 35 Sqd flying VIPs. He was in the Berlin Airlift 1948 - 1949, he also went on exchange with the RAF and flew in No's 24 & 511 Sqd's one a transport the other VIP transport. He was discharged from the RAAF with the rank of Flt/Lt on 6.7.1956 in No 11 Sqd. "Maunder and Sheean". In the article Jacks says that Lofty Maunder always had a joke etc when near the target to settle everyone down. The crew of Halifax LV875 were shot down by a Night Fighter near the target "Terngier" north of Paris 0n 11.4.1944. There was 157 Halifax's on the raid with 10 being lost. The Crew were; John Henry Maunder No 412562, Navigator, enlisted 19.7.1941 age 19 years 10 months. Brian Leo Sheean, No 409855, Wireless Operator, enlisted 1.10.1941 age 18 years. Research shows there were at least 3 more of the Crew KIA. Cecil John Bond No 420433, Pilot, enlisted 8.11.1941 age 19 years 11 months. John Neville Keys No 426112, Bomb Aimer, enlisted 23.5.1942 age 19 years 6 months. Clifford Young Warren No 427047, Rear Gunner, enlisted 26.4.1942 age 19 years 3 months. J.A. White, Flight Engineer, British/Allied. D.K. Messenger, Mid Upper Gunner, British/Allied. Newspaper article Herald Sun 19.4.2002, copy. Article re Jack Mitchell. The article has 6 photo insets 3 of Jack, 2 show Airmen beside an aircraft. The one with 2 Aircrew is "Lofty" Maunder and Jack. The article is mostly about "Maunder and Brian Sheean" mates of Jack. The inset photo of a women in uniform is believed to be "Maunders" English wife who he had married previously. Maunder and Sheean were KIA. "FLY THE FLAG FOR A MATE"newspaper, article, 466 sqd

Refer Cat No. 7504, 7505, 7506, 4 book collection.Hardcover book. Cover - cardboard, with light brown buckram cover with dark brown print on front and spine. Illustration in dark brown - soldier in silhouette. End papers - illustrated brown and cream colour tones - maps back and front, 128 pages - cut, plain, cream colour paper, illustrated colour, black and white and sepia illustrations, photographs, paintings.books, army, ww2

Letter of Sympathy sent to parents of "Mervyn Clive Townsend", Dental Surgeon on HMAS SYDNEY sunk 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Handwritten letter in black writing on a single white sheet of paper. Writing on one side. Typed in location and address of sender in top right corner of page, in blue,Head: "The Vestry" "All Saints Cathedral" "MacKenzie Street" 'Bendigo". Dated 2nd Dec 1941.hmas sydney, letter of sympathy, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Letters of Sympathy from various businesses for the Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend", KIA on sinking of HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Various handwritten letters from different businesses to parents of M.C. Townsend. 1. From Commercial Bank of Sydney on blank white paper and black writing, dated Dec 1st '41. 2. From Longman's Green & Co Ltd, London, on Company letterhead note paper dated Dexc 1st 1941. 3. From Royal Standard Hotel - on white blank note paper dated 8th Dec '41. 4. From Hemingway & Robertson, Accountants, typed letter in black. Dated 4th Dec '41. 5. From J.A. Rodgers & Co - Wine Merchants - on white letterhead note paper, dated 1st Dec '41.letters, ww2, hmas sydney, kia, mervyn clive townsend

Letters of Sympathy from friends to parents of "M.C. TOWNSEND" who died on sinking of HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat 2313P for Townsends service.Handwritten letters of Sympathy to parents of M.C. Townsend. 1. Letter of Sympathy from L.R. Wheeler, NSW on single white lined paper dated 4th Dec '41. 2. Personal letter of Sympathy from a friend, Les, of M.C. Townsend. Letter dated 14.12.41.hmas sydney, letters of sympathy, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Letters of Sympathy for "M.C. Townsend", Dental Surgeon on HMAS SYDDNEY, KIA on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Handwritten letters of Sympathy. 1. Letter of Sympathy from George Cole, Geelong on white note paper dated 2.12.41. 2. Letter of Sympathy from G & C Alexander on cream colour note paper dated 10/12/41.1. Headed "Ramleh, 66 Virginia St. Newtown, Geelong". 2. Headed "52 Burke Crescent, Geelong. 10/12/41".hmas sydney, kia, letters of sympathy, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Letters of Sympathy from Bendigo Locals to parents of " Mervyn Clive Townsend" , KIA on HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsend service.Handwritten letters of Sympathy for M.C. Townsend. 1. Letter of Sympathy from A. Brazier, Eaglehawk - on small blank white note paper. 2. Letter of Sympathy from Jim Condon - on blue paper, lined, dated 6/12/41.hmas sydney', ww2, mervyn clive townsend, letters of sympathy.

Various Letters of Sympathy for Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Clive Townsend" KIA on HMAS SYDNEY 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Various handwritten letters of Sympathy for Mervyn Clive Townsend from the Melbourne Metropolitan area to his parents. Letters are of various sizes and various types of paper. All dated in late November to December 1941. Forty three (43) letters in total.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Dental Surgeon " Mervyn Clive Townsend" was KIA on the sinking of the HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41 by a German Raider. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Twenty five (25) Letters of Sympathy for the death of Mervyn Clive Townsend to his parents. All handwritten on various sizes and colours of note paper. Dated around Dec 1941 period.hmas sydney, ww2, kia, mervyn clive townsend

Letter of Sympathy sent to parents of Dental Surgeon "Mervyn Townsend" KIA on the sinking of HMAS SYDNEY by German Raider HSK Kormoran on 19/11/41 of WA Coast. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Letter of Sympathy handwritten on blank green piece of notepaper. Writing in blue pen and dated 4th Dec 1941.Note at top: "As I do not know your address I am sending this to the Naval Board Melb, to be forwarded to you". Dated 4th Dec 1941 W.A. hmas sydney, ww2, hsk kormoran, mervyn clive townsend

Various letters of Sympathy to the parents of "Mervyn Clive Townsend" killed in action on board the HMAS SYDNEY by a German raider on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No 2313P for Townsends service.18 Individual letters of Sympathy to the parents of "Mervyn Clive Townsend". All letters are handwritten on various types of note paper and dated around Dec 41. Letters are all from regional Victorian locations.hmas sydney, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Various letters to parents of "MERVYN CLIVE TOWNSEND" KIA on the sinking of the HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/41 by a German Raider. Mervyn was a Dental Surgeon serving on board. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Various handwritten letters of Sympathy for "Mervyn Clive Townsend", from various people and organisations from Williamstown area. Letters are of various sizes and various types of white on cream note paper and dated around Dec 41.hmas sydnbey, kia, ww2, mervyn clive townsend, hsk kormoran

Dental Surgeon " Mervyn Clive Townsend" was KIA on the sinking of the HMAS SYDNEY on 15/11/1941 by a German Raider. Refer Cat No 2313P for Townsends service.White folded card to Mrs. Townsend in relation to the death of her son, Plain white with black line on top left corner. No contents inside.Signed: " Edith Roberts" Address: "27 Haslam Street, N. Williamstown W16 Dec 3rd 1941" hmas sydney, hsk kormoran, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Messages of condolences in relation to " Mervyn Clive Townsend" was KIA on the sinking of the HMAS SYDNEY by German Raider HSK Kormoran on 15/11/41. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Telegrams on Yellow Paper headed in blue writing on top with Commonwealth of Australia, Postmaster General Department. All telegrams have Office of Origin, no of words, time of lodgement and stamp. Messages all handwritten with name of sender, a message of sympathy and address of receiver.All telegrams date stamped on top right corner. All ticked in top right corner.hmas sydney, ww2, hsk kormoran, mervyn clive townsend

Messages in relation to the death of "Mervyn Clive Townsend" KIA on sinking of the HMAS SYDNEY by the HSK Kormoran on 15 Nov 1941. Refer Cat No. 2313P for Townsends service.Folded white Sympathy cards for Mervyn Townsend. Sizes ranging from 13 x 8 to 10 x 8 cm. 1. Folded three sheets with message in middle. Cover says sent in Heartfelt Sympathy. 2. Folded 3 sheets with message in middle and cover saying "With Deepest Sympathy". 3. Folded 2 sheets with message in middle and cover sheet saying "With Sincere Sympathy". 4. Folded 2 pieces with inside message and cover sheet saying "With Sincerest Sympathy". 5. Double folded sheet with message "Peace, perfect peace and dove flying over a sun and picture of Lilies all in black." 1. From Mr. & Mrs. John Owen, East Melbourne. 2. From Norma D. Young, Bendigo. 3. From Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Horne. 4. From E. Casey & sisters, Murrumbeena. 5. From Mr. & Mrs D.J. Treage, Balwyn. hmas sydney, hsk kormoran, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Sympathy cards for " Mervyn Clive Townsend" who was KIA on HMAS SYDNEY sunk by HSK Kormoran on 15/11/41. Refer 2313P for Townsends service.White Sympathy cards with black edges. 1. 4 page card. Australian emblem in silver on front and tied with a red, white and blue ribbon. 2. Folded cardboard sheet with message in middle and "Condolence" written on front. 3. Black edge card of 4 pages. Sympathy on front and tied with black string. 4. Four page card tied with black string with message on front within 2 circles. "Sent in True Sympathy". 5. Four page card tied with black and white ribbon and silver Australian emblem.1. From Phoebe McPherson, Bairnsdale. 2. From Arthur Austin. 3. From Mr. & Mrs. Perrara, Bendigo. 4. From Mr. & Mrs. A. Emerson, Bendigo. 5. From Mr. & Mrs. R.V. Skeely.hmas sydney, hsk kormoran, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

Sympathy cards for the death of "Mervyn Clive Townsend" KIA on 15/11/41 on the sinking of HMAS SYDNEY by HSK Kormoran. Refer No. 2313P for Townsends service.Small white folded sympathy cards. 1. Double folded sheet with message inside in black writing and "Sympathy" on front. 2. 4 page card tied with black ribbon with flag and wreath on front and "In Remembrance" . 3. Double folded sheet with message on front "With Sympathy and deep regret". 4. Four page card with black ribbon. On front "Kindest Sympathy" over top some flowers. 5. Double folded sheet with "Sympathy". 1. From Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Stewart, East Melbourne. 2. From Rosemary Graham, Wedderburn. 3. From Veda Ashford. 4. From Mr. & Mrs Cowling, Bendigo. 5. From C. M. Crum, Bendigo.hmas sydney, hsk kormoran, ww2, mervyn clive townsend

The records from "J - Z" are missing. The records are Department of Labour ones used in the re establishment of returning Service personal from WW2 in the Bendigo area. The card shown in the photos is John Edward Widdison - Fay. Jack as he was known was the longest serving Volunteer in the Bendigo RSL with 57 years service. Refer also Cat No 8129P for RSL involvement.Wooden tray with enlistment card records, brownish colour, all text and typed entries in black. They are in alphabetical order from A - I. At the end are two "W" names and 4 miscellaneous names with pen entry. Each card has No, name, rank, address, next of kin and enlistment date.On front of box in green Dymo tape, "ENLISTMENTS"brsl, smirsl, enlistments